Fun things to do with your family this summer Spending more money on essentials means there’s less cash available for fun stuff. With the summer holidays starting, here are some free things to do to entertain your family. Learn something new at a free gallery or museum
Wales has seven national museums which are all free and offer a wealth of fun and interesting things to do. In Cardiff there is the National Museum and the St Fagans National Museum of History, which is set in 100 acres of parkland, and is a popular choice to see craftsmen demonstrate their traditional skills. There is also the National Wool Museum at Drefach Felindre, near Newcastle Emlyn; Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon; the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea; the National Slate Museum, Llanberis and the National Roman Legion Museum in Caerleon, nr Newport. They often hold special events through the holidays so check museum. wales for more information. There may be parking costs at the museums - check before you travel.
Keep fit for free
Parkruns are free, weekly, community events taking place in parks and open spaces across Wales. Saturday morning events are 5k and Sundays are 2k junior 34
wwha.co.uk
parkruns for children aged four to 14. To find out the nearest event near you and register to join in visit parkrun.org.uk It’s also worth checking your local council websites for opportunities, some offer free swimming lessons for children, for example. Just search for your local council name and summer activities online.
Picnic in the park
Why not pack up a couple of sandwiches and explore your nearest country park. There are thousands of acres of lush and beautiful parks to enjoy. Some favourites are Bryngarw Country Park, near Bridgend, Bute Park behind Cardiff Castle, Tŷ Mawr Country Park near Cefn Mawr in Wrexham, Margam Country Park near Port Talbot, Pembrey Country Park, Carmarthenshire and Penglais Nature Park, Aberystwyth.
Visit a castle
This September, more than 150 of Wales’ historic sites, landmarks and hidden gems will offer visitors free entry, events or guided tours as part of the Open Doors
— Wales’ initiative. Funded and organised by Cadw, the festival encourages people to explore some of the country’s lesserknown and smaller-scale sites. To find out more visit cadw.gov.wales/visit/whats-on/ open-doors One that is free all year with amazing hilltop views is Dryslwyn Castle in Carmarthen. visitwales.com/attraction/castle/ dryslwyn-castle-cadw-1843262
Dolphin spotting
If you live near Cardigan Bay, or are visiting the area this summer, say hello to the resident dolphins, porpoises and seals. If you’re patient and lucky you can see them from the clifftop areas around Mwnt or the harbour at Newquay.
Geocaching
All you need is a smartphone with GPS to join in a global game of hide-and-seek. There are more than 180 “hidden treasures/ caches” to find in the Brecon Beacons National Park. breconbeacons.org/things-todo/activities/geocaching-andorienteering
